Liverpool failed in their attempt to sign Chelsea right-back Malo Gusto on transfer deadline day, according to reports. The Reds were seeking a loan deal without an obligation to buy the France international, but Chelsea insisted on a permanent transfer, which Liverpool rejected.
Gusto's Chelsea career and transfer interest
Malo Gusto is now in his fourth season at Chelsea after joining from Lyon in 2023 for €35m (£30.7m). Manchester City had expressed an interest in signing the 23-year-old earlier this summer but were unwilling to meet Chelsea's £75 million asking price.
Gusto featured for France at the World Cup this summer, which shortened his pre-season campaign with Chelsea. Despite this, he has started in both of Chelsea's Premier League wins over Fulham and Brighton this season.
Liverpool's need for a right-back
Liverpool have been in the market for a new right-back due to a long-term knee injury to Conor Bradley, which leaves Jeremie Frimpong as Andoni Iraola's only experienced option in that position. The club's failure to secure Gusto means they will have to rely on Frimpong and other internal solutions for the foreseeable future.
Chelsea's busy deadline day
Elsewhere on deadline day, Chelsea sold Enzo Fernandez to Manchester City in a £125m deal. The club also reached an agreement with Monaco to sign Lamine Camara for €55m (£47.1m), but the Ligue 1 side cancelled the deal for the midfielder in the final hour of the transfer window.
Liverpool's unsuccessful pursuit of Gusto leaves them without a new right-back signing, and they will need to manage with their current squad as the season progresses.
